Merton Lee Boddy Jr.

Merton Lee Boddy Jr., 78, of Mahwah, New Jersey, was called home by our Lord and Savior on February 1, 2026, surrounded by love and peace. Merton was born on February 17, 1947, in Suffern, New York, to his loving parents, Merton Sr. and Mabel (Mann) Boddy.

Merton is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Beverlee Fairfax-Boddy; his daughter, Bridget Wright (Michael); his grandchildren, Marissa Mota (Marlon) and Michael Jr.; and his cherished great-grandchildren, Miabella and Maxine. He is also survived by his sisters, Deborah (David) Farrison and Gloria Boddy; his sisters-in-law, Tina Fairfax (Russell) and Rosie Fairfax; his nieces, Paula (Juan), Ashley (Will), Lauren (Doug), and Kate (Glen); and Walt, Barry, Jerry, and Al, whom he considered his brothers, as well as his bonus daughter Ivy (Joe), along with many nieces, nephews, close cousins, and friends.

Merton, affectionately known as “Mert,” proudly served his country in the Vietnam War. Wounded in combat, he earned two Purple Heart medals and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Spec 4, in 1968. Shortly after returning home, he was faced with the responsibility of raising his two younger sisters, Deborah and Gloria, a role he embraced with deep pride, love, and devotion. He then went straight to work. First driving a beer and soda delivery truck, then joining the phone company, and eventually beginning a long and successful career with IBM, where he later retired after 20 years of dedicated service.

Retirement, however, never truly suited Mert. After IBM, he returned to work driving a concrete truck and later joined the Mahwah Township Department of Public Works, where he proudly served 10 years before retiring once again.

But Mert never really stopped working or helping others. Sitting still was never in his nature. He’d load his tractor onto the back of his truck to mow someone else’s lawn, pull out his snowblower to clear a neighbor’s driveway, or show up to fix whatever needed fixing. Merton was always there. He loved being outdoors, riding his quad through the mountains, caring for his yard, cruising on his Harley, and enjoying Saturday morning breakfasts at the diner with his crew. Above all, he loved his family and friends. He would do anything for those he loved, and those who loved him would have done anything for him.

On February 1, 2026, at 5:20 a.m., heaven gained a true angel, and we lost one of the best men we were ever blessed to know. Merton’s passing has left an immeasurable void in our hearts and lives. One that can never be filled.

Merton was predeceased by his parents, Merton Sr. and Mabel; his sisters, Eulah and Noreen; and his brothers-in-law, Charlie, Glen, Geoffrey, and Gregory and niece Carla.

To say Merton will be missed is an understatement. Though this is an unbearable time, the lifetime of beautiful memories he leaves behind will carry his family forward.